This is a VW Atlas. I didn't realize that these are VR6 engines until I saw only one valve cover lol I thought that the VW V6 engines were actually V6's since they don't say VR6 on them. Side note, rear timing is stupid.
VW engines are weird
- Thread starter Johnny248
- Start date
The V can make you think V6 but yeah some are inline. The timing arrangements make perfect sense when you're trying to fit a longer inline engine transversely. There is unused space above the transmission. Volvo took that approach as well and it allowed them to go from a 5 cylinder to a 6 cylinder in the XC90.
Farfegnugen!!
Until you need to service it!
and guides...
'66 1300 for the win!
slo town
$200 Site Donor 2026
It's not an inline 6. It's a 15 degree V6. The VR6 is a brilliant design. It's got good power for its size and has a unique and really nice engine sound. The "VR" part is German for short and narrow. The attached picture shows how that cylinder arrangement makes for a short and narrow block, a requirement for its usage in a small FWD car.
Scott
Last edited:
It has a crank like an inline six. Main bearing, rod bearing, main bearing. V6 would be main bearing, rod bearing, rod bearing, main bearing. It is an inline 6 with offset pistons.
I did not know that. That certainly is different. I'm no VW historian that's for sure.
However I'd think a "V"6 is more attributes to having two heads not just one like OP is talking about.
Yeah, it looks like more similarities to an inline engine. Thanks for the notes.
Man, those would be some narrow crank journels!
slo town
$200 Site Donor 2026
Yes, that is one of the unique things about the VR6. Although it’s a V-design, it has the same firing order as an inline 6.
Scott
Yep, on the Volvo, I've been calling around for shops to do my serpentine belt when it goes. A serpentine belt!
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
While that's true about the crank, the VR6 is really it's own thing IMHO, as is the W12, the result of melding two VR6's into a vee pattern, which results in a very interesting crankshaft design:
Interestingly, the W12 crankshaft:
Is more unusual looking (with the offset rod journals) than the W16, which has straight journals:
slo town
$200 Site Donor 2026
Go to 2:15 to 2:25 in this video. Our 3.6 liter VR6 Passat sounds and shifts exactly like this. The VR6 with the DSG transmission is one of the best drivetrain combinations I've ever owned. Notice the unique VR6 sound and the quick shifting DSG.
Scott
Scott
Nice color Passat you got there! I have that powertrain combo in white though. Absolute blast to drive. The quick shifts still amaze me and the VR6 sounds really good. Did you get the ECS delete kit when it was on sale? I’m apparently out of luck on those because they don’t fit the pre facelift models.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
I thought this one is 10.6 degrees?
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
There is nothing weird. It is brilliant engine. Only problem is that it is thirsty.
Unfortunately, VW lost cajones some 15yrs ago and they decided not to develop new one.
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